When we read the narrative in Acts 16 of Paul, Silas, Luke and Timothy’s journeys around southern Europe, and how the Holy Spirit directed their paths directly to Macedonia, we see how partnering with God is absolutely essential in ministry. In fact, little did Paul know how much he would need the friendship of this future church established in Philippi.
Several things stand out as interesting about this group that were gathering outside the city gate by the river. They were Gentiles, predominately women, brought together by their worship of the God of Israel. However, where there might have once been a synagogue here, there may no longer have been enough men, or enough Jewish men present to qualify it as such. Paul mentions that from the very first day they were partners. Lydia believes the Word as the Lord opens her heart, and she and her whole family are baptized. She opens her home to the apostles, and cares for them the entire time they are in the city. Probably between Lydia’s home and the place of prayer they continued to teach until the incident that caused Paul and Silas’s imprisonment.
I can imagine that the displays of power witnessed by this small band of new converts in so short a time was life changing to say the least. We aren’t given an exact timeline, but placing yourself in Lydia’s prayer group, imagine the praise and glory to God upon hearing of the expulsion of a demon, the imprisonment, the earthquake, the unbound chains, and the conversion of the jailer and his family! And although Paul and company had to leave the city within a few days of their arrival, he made sure they modeled justice and mercy for the small band of believers, requesting vindication with the magistrates, so that the Church of Christ would have no harm to its reputation.
There is no doubt that it is the powerful work of the Spirit in this group that gave them such generous hearts toward Paul and his ministry. They receive word that he has been imprisoned, and send one of their own, Epaphroditus, to Paul with money so that he could be fed in prison. Paul is so touched that his letter is more heartfelt than most, indicating his longing to see them and is particularly encouraging to the Philippian church, because of their partnership with him in the gospel. What can we learn from this early church and their example of partnership and how we should view those who advance the gospel?
- Have deep personal concern and care for the well-being of those who give their lives to serve
- Provide consistent prayer and financial support
- Recognize that God will bring to completion the good work He has begun, in us and in others
- Recognize that it is all for God’s glory
Next week: Partners in Prayer, Suffering, and Perseverance
There are 613 positive and negative commandments given to the Jewish people. Yeshua was able to sum these up and make it simple when He said, "Love Hashem with everything you have and love your Jewish brothers and sisters as you do yourself." (Luke 10:27) Lydia was a wealthy Goy (Gentile) who came to know the G-d of Abraham through Yeshua. How do we know she was wealthy? She spun purple cloth, which was so expensive only the most wealthy could afford to buy it. This also indicates she had a large dwelling with many rooms and could host a large group at any time.
ReplyDeleteAbraham embodied the truth of Torah, even though it would not be given to the Jewish people for several hundred years. It is said that Abraham's tent was open on all sides and that he watched the distance to see if any traveler might pass his way so that he could invited them in, feed them a good meal, and make provision for the continuation of their journey. Many "sojourned", or "boarded" in Abraham's tent. By Lydia opening her home to Paul and his group, she was embracing the spirit of Abraham.
How does this affect us? If anyone has something in their hand that will benefit another and they withhold from giving, it is a sin. In Jewish communities today, these commandments are as alive and well as they were over 2000 years ago. Jewish people care for one another in their communities. Often they attend to each other as nurses, sitters, errand runners... you name it, they do it. If anyone has a car, they share with another. If anyone is hungry, they can sit at their neighbor's table and eat. If a wandering Jewish soul comes into the community, it is treated with such care and chessed (loving kindness). All this person's needs are met by the members of the community.
Oy! If the Christians could just get hold of this one thing! If you will notice amongst Christians, there is much competition between Believers. When Paul said "run the race", he didn't mean knock everybody down in your pursuit of G-d!
ReplyDeleteLet me make this personal... Do you know people who are called to serve G-d by going to people in other nations or in other states but they personally cannot finance such projects? Do you know people who want to start mitzvot (good deeds) in impoverished areas but cannot find help to organize groups to work or financial backing to set up programs to assist those in need? Do you know a teacher who needs to get a message out but does not have the means to do it? Can you know what it's like to know you are called to a country and a people but you cannot go to them because there is no money in your bank account?
And how many of these people know other Believers who have the means to help but they hold their fists closed and refuse to sponsor or join together with their brother or sister to further the need of their ministry? How many of you know Believers who become jealous when another is called to such things and because of their jealousy, they hold their fist tight and will not release a blessing to those who need it?
Hashem has commanded us to keep watch over each other and attend to each other's needs, whether it be spiritual or physical. We are to cover people in prayer and if we have the means, we are to give financially to further benefit those who are called to go out and touch people.
So many times I have been told that if G-d wants me to do it, He will bring the means. This is true, however, it does not excuse those who purposely withhold their help. On my trips to Israel, we do so much humanitarian aid that would not be possible if I did not have friends and family who freely give to benefit G-d's people. Yes, there are many who could support what I do very easily but they withhold.
Whatever G-d has instructed us to do with our lives, it will come to pass in good measure but we should also look at the needs of others. Take the time to find a young person and help to build their spiritual relationship and reliability on the Provider of all things. Take the time to buy a blanket for a cold child in another country. Take the time to send a coat to freezing child in a poor Appalachian area. Take the time to send someone to teach and help other people.
We are all reaching for the same goal... it's easier with teamwork!
It is a known fact that if all the "professing" Christians in America tithed, they could provide potable water to all the countries in the earth who don't have it with half that money. What in God's name (and I mean that literally) could be done with the other half?
ReplyDelete